Gracjana & Jordon's Touching Traditions

July 29, 2019 Shannon Hirlehey

This past May I had the joy of providing partial planning for Grace & Jordon. Key vendors had been hired in the early days but they needed some assistance with design, layout and logistics for “the” day. This, my second wedding of the season, is where I came in to do what I do best, offering me a welcome return to Holland Marsh Wineries.

Grace & Jordon married in Grace’s family church, with traditional echoes of their Polish heritage abounding. Church weddings are a relatively rare breed these days and, boy, do I hope they make a serious comeback. The setting was absolutely magical, from the stained-glass windows, to the wooden pews, traditional décor and that oh-so-long aisle that offered the perfect platform for our bride’s trailing train. It was so beautiful and so moving.

With the ceremony over, it was off to the reception venue for photos and cocktails! The original plan was for a patio cocktail reception but Mother Nature had different ideas, so we shifted gears and executed the indoor plan. (Guests will happily go wherever you guide them when an open bar and the promise of a delicious meal beckon!)

Now inside, there were so many pretty details to take in. The venue itself has a great organic vibe, to which we added a few contrasting elements of luxury: place settings with gold flatware and charge plates, custom table numbers and hand-crafted place cards. This is always a winning combination. Rustic elegance at its best.

The evening’s events began with a first dance (which the couple had so perfectly rehearsed) to the sweet sounds of Peter Gabriel’s Book of Love. Then came some very touching speeches and a delicious 4-course dinner. During this early part of the evening the clouds cleared and the skies turned to blue to provide a welcome warmth and glow through the reception windows, and the newlyweds took this opportunity to sneak outside for some jaw-dropping sunset photos. As dinner came to a close, guests flocked to the patio to appreciate the epic views and cozy atmosphere the couple had created with the help of Green Door Décor – offering wood benches, wood crates, barrels and lanterns to play off the venue’s outdoor fireplace.

The absolutely amazing live band had no difficulty encouraging guests back inside to the dance floor to burn some calories… as more food was on the horizon. Indeed, a catered late-night, 16-foot (!) table with Polish delicacies and treats awaited their attention. As the evening came to an end, a nearby table offered guests a parting gift of Holland Marsh Wineries wines, perfectly packaged, with tasting notes so that guests could choose which one to take home.

This wedding was absolutely beautiful, and so fitting for this lovely couple. Jordon and his family had suffered a very big loss earlier in the year, but as they so touchingly honored the memory of their loved one throughout the day, every ounce of pain was channeled into pure joy and love.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to be part of this magical day.